Prime Minister Andrej Babiš held talks with Romanian President Nicușor Dan on cooperation and the future of the European Union
Prime Minister Andrej Babiš received the President of Romania, Nicușor Dan, at Kramář Villa. Together, they discussed the development of economic cooperation, energy security, cooperation in the defence industry, strengthening the European Union’s competitiveness, and the preparation of the EU’s future multiannual financial framework.
Energy was one of the main topics of discussion. Andrej Babiš expressed his support for Romania’s efforts to strengthen European energy security, in particular the development of gas infrastructure and projects focused on natural gas extraction in the Black Sea. Both sides agreed that accessible and affordable energy was one of the key prerequisites for maintaining the competitiveness of European industry. The Prime Minister and the President agreed on the need to ensure safe and reliable supply routes.
The Prime Minister and the Romanian President also discussed the security situation in Europe and the strengthening of NATO’s eastern flank. They discussed opportunities for joint projects, technological partnerships and the involvement of Czech companies in the modernisation of the Romanian armed forces. They also discussed support for Ukraine and Moldova and agreed on the importance of close cooperation between Member States in addressing current security and economic challenges.
Another topic discussed at the meeting was economic cooperation. Romania is the Czech Republic’s largest trading partner in South-Eastern Europe. There are more than 1,350 Czech owned companies operating in the country, and the Czech Republic is one of the major foreign investors there. The two leaders also discussed opportunities for further involvement by Czech companies in modernisation projects in the fields of transport, energy, digitalisation, healthcare and defence.
The Prime Minister and the Romanian President went on to discuss issues relating to the European Union’s competitiveness, the functioning of the single market and the preparation of the EU’s multiannual financial framework. They discussed measures aimed at strengthening the European economy, promoting investment, simplifying the regulatory environment and ensuring affordable energy for both households and industry.
The talks also covered the issue of the Czech expatriate community in Romania, particularly in the Banat region, where a sizeable Czech minority has lived for decades. Prime Minister Babiš appreciated the Romanian institutions' dedication to supporting Czech compatriots and their active involvement in public life. Romanian President Dan then invited Czech Prime Minister Babiš to pay a state visit to Romania.
